Tata Nexon Crash Tested; Scores 4 Stars

Global NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) has crash tested Tata’s sub-4 metre SUV, the Nexon, and the results are quite encouraging. The compact SUV scored an appreciable four out of five stars for adult safety and a respectable three stars for child occupant protection.

First and foremost, the body shell was reported to be ‘stable’ under the event of a crash. NCAP stated that the bodyshell was capable of withstanding higher impacts as well. The report also suggests that the Nexon provides good protection for the driver and co-driver’s heads and neck. Chest protection was rated as ‘adequate’. Notably, NCAP says that the knees of front occupants ‘could impact with dangerous structures behind the dashboard which is supported by the 'Tranfascia tube'.

As far as child safety goes, Global NCAP carried out the crash test with the standard 19-month-old CRS (child restraint system) dummy. The Nexon gets ISOFIX child seat mounts, which the NCAP says was able to prevent excessive forward movement during the impact. Protection for the child’s head was rated ‘good’, whereas chest protection was deemed to be marginal.

David Ward, secretary general of Global NCAP, said, “The 4 stars awarded to the Tata Nexon represent a very strong result from a major Indian car manufacturer. This impressive safety performance is comfortably above the new crash test standards applied in India to new models since October 2017. It is very encouraging to see Tata aiming high for safety and a great example for others to follow. The race is clearly on for India’s first 5 star car! ”

The Nexon’s safety kit, although not best in class, is still quite impressive. The list of safety features offered as standard include seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, dual airbags and anti-lock brakes (ABS) with EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution). Additionally, the top-spec XZ variant features ISOFIX child seat mounts too.

An impressive crash test score only strengthens the Nexon’s case in the sub-4 metre SUV space. It’s time for Tata Motors to carry this momentum forward into the upcoming Tata Harrier and give us another kickass global-desi SUV.